Relay for Life set for Friday

For some, the biggest day of the year is right around the corner. It’s not a birthday; it’s not Christmas; it’s Relay for Life.

Relay for Life of Franklin County is set for May 6 at 6 p.m. in downtown Russellville. Opening ceremonies will be at 6:30, and the Survivor Lap will be at 7 p.m., immediately followed by the caregiver lap.

The downtown location is a new one for Relay for Life of Franklin County, necessitate because the Golden Tiger football field is under renovation. Relay coordinator Anna Duncan said she thinks downtown is a great spot for the event.

“Our teams will be closer together, and I think it will have a more festival community atmosphere that way,” Duncan said.

Activities and entertainment will rule the night, with a Kids Corner with inflatables; carnival snacks like cotton candy, chips and drinks; live music from Rewind; and other attractions for attendees.

The main focus, of course, is celebrating, remembering and fighting back against cancer. The luminaria ceremony will take place at 9 p.m., followed by awards.

The mainstage will be located by First Baptist Church, and all activities will take place within that area of downtown.

New this year will be the Butterfly Hunt. A 1-foot-square wooden butterfly has been adorned with the story of a local cancer survivor and hidden somewhere in downtown.

“We will be giving clues during Relay about where to look for the butterfly,” Duncan said. Whoever can find it will win a prize, and then the butterfly will become part of a national exhibit.

Relay for Life will wrap up about 10 p.m.

Duncan said she hopes people will plan to come out for this special event.

“Our lives are just precious, and these people who fight cancer are fighting a battle every single day,” Duncan said. She emphasized how important it is to offer support. “That’s the best thing for us to do. It just gives them hope. Being there is so inspiring to them.”